Bonn International School vs Cologne International School

	B Bonn International School Dusseldorf, Germany	C Cologne International School Dusseldorf, Germany
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €12,763 - 23,088	Fees / year €19,585 - 23,690
Age range	Age range 3 - 19 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, German
Opened	Opened 1997	Opened 2005
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Martin-Luther-King Straße 14, D-53175 Bonn, Germany. The BIS campus is modern, spacious and well equipped, with an excellent IT infrastructure, a Media Centre Library, tournament sports halls, design rooms and labs. The school serves students aged 3–18 from the Bonn region and international communities.	Location The campus is located at Rudi-Conin-Straße 10, 50829 Köln, in Cologne's Butzweilerhof area. It sits at the end of Rudi-Conin-Straße. It is about 20 minutes by public transport from Cologne Central Station (Tram 5, stop IKEA am Butzweilerhof) and 3 minutes from highway A57. A daily shuttle connects the old Widdersdorf campus with the new CIS site.
Stages	Stages Early Learning (ages 3-6); Primary Years (ages 6-11); Middle Years (ages 11-16); Diploma Years (ages 16-18).	Stages Primary Years Programme (Grades 1–5); Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10); Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12).
School type	School type The school is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.	School type The school offers the International Baccalaureate continuum with an on‑campus Boarding House.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 800 students from 80 countries; 80 nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Learning Support Programme empowers students with diverse educational needs to become confident, independent learners. It includes English language support (EAL) for students joining BIS who do not speak English; a team of trained staff provides in-class and pull-out support as needed; additional fees may apply depending on the plan.	Additional learning support Language support is available for newcomers to English or German; small class sizes and individualized attention.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany	Country affiliation Germany
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The official school day begins at 8:20 for all grade levels and ends between 15:15 and 15:30 depending on the grade level. After-school care on campus is available until 18:00, and co-curricular activities run onsite until 19:30.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Daily shuttle between the old Widdersdorf campus and the new site.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Admission / Application Fees - A one-time Admission Fee applies on acceptance of a place. - Admissions to Early Learning 3, 4 and 5: EUR 2,250. - Admissions to Grade 1 and higher: EUR 4,500. - Admission Fee for each additional child from the same family: EUR 2,250 (one-time). Tuition fees — annual, per-term (approx.), and per-month (approx.) by year group - Annual tuition (shown first) followed by the approximate per-term amount (annual ÷ 3) and approximate per-month amount (annual ÷ 12): - Early Learning 3 (age 3) - Annual: EUR 12,763. - Approx. per term: EUR 4,254.33. - Approx. per month: EUR 1,063.58. - Early Learning 4 (age 4) - Annual: EUR 12,194. - Approx. per term: EUR 4,064.67. - Approx. per month: EUR 1,016.17. - Early Learning 5 (age 5) - Annual: EUR 17,227. - Approx. per term: EUR 5,742.33. - Approx. per month: EUR 1,435.58. - Grades 1–5 (ages 6–11) - Annual: EUR 19,624. - Approx. per term: EUR 6,541.33. - Approx. per month: EUR 1,635.33. - Grades 6–10 (ages 12–16) - Annual: EUR 22,170. - Approx. per term: EUR 7,390.00. - Approx. per month: EUR 1,847.50. - Grades 11–12 (ages 16–18) - Annual: EUR 23,088. - Approx. per term: EUR 7,696.00. - Approx. per month: EUR 1,924.00. Learning support and additional mandatory fees - Additional annual Learning Support Fees apply where a student is placed into the school's Learning Support Programme after assessment: - Tier 0: no additional fee. - Tier 1: EUR 4,000 per year. - Tier 2: EUR 8,000 per year. - Tier 3: EUR 12,000 per year. What is included in the published tuition - The published tuition includes: school day trips, provision of iPads for Early Learning through Grade 7, university and careers advisory, counselling services, English language development, access to science, design and Apple computer labs, books, instruments and core learning materials, and the Co-Curricular Programme. Other costs and optional fees - After-school care (KidzKlub) is available on campus and is charged separately. - Optional activities outside normal school provision (for example some camps, seasonal trips or externally arranged activities) and any specific material or travel costs connected with certain optional programmes may incur additional charges; standard included items are listed above. Boarding - Boarding is not offered. Students attending the school must live with their parents or guardians while enrolled. No boarding fees apply. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing is issued after the admission is confirmed. Payment may be made in one of the following ways: - In full (single payment). - Quarterly or monthly instalments drawn from a German bank account. - In full by a third party payer (company, sponsor). - The school can make bespoke arrangements for invoicing or instalments in consultation with the Accounting Office. Bank details and payment methods - Bank transfer capability is provided; the school's account details are given for transfers (Commerzbank; IBAN: DE15 380400070386444400; SWIFT-BIC: COBADEFFXXX). Payments from German bank accounts are supported for instalments. - The school accepts third-party full payment and supports quarterly or monthly payment plans from a German bank account; specific acceptance of credit cards is not published in the main fee documents available. Refunds and withdrawal (summary of published position) - The publicly published fee schedule provides the Admission Fee and the Annual Tuition levels and notes invoicing and instalment options; a detailed, itemised public refund schedule (for example precise refund percentages by withdrawal date or term-specific invoice due dates) is not published in the main fee sheet. For cases requiring financial assistance, a Financial Assistance Programme with eligibility guidelines exists. Summary of key practical points for parents - One-time Admission Fee on acceptance: EUR 2,250 (EL3–EL5) or EUR 4,500 (Grade 1+); siblings EUR 2,250. - Annual tuition by year-group is listed above; approximate per-term and per-month figures are shown for quick budgeting (annual ÷ 3 or ÷ 12). - Learning Support Fees are charged separately according to tier if placement in the programme is required. - Invoicing occurs after admission; payments may be made in full, by quarterly or monthly instalments from a German bank account, or in full by a third party; bank transfer details are provided for payments. Note on items not publicly specified in the published fee brief - The published fee documents specify admission fees, annual tuition levels and learning support tiers and list what is included in tuition. A detailed public schedule showing exact invoice due dates, a term-by-term official invoice calendar, explicit credit-card acceptance options and a step-by-step refund/withdrawal schedule with refund percentages by withdrawal date are not included in the publicly available fee brief. Fees for specific optional services (exact KidzKlub rates, optional residential trip charges or other one-off charges) are not published in the single-page fee summary and are handled as separate charges. For those specific items and precise payment deadlines, the school's Accounting/Admissions team provides the operational invoice and terms at admission.	Fee details Application & Admission Fees - First child total: EUR 5,750.00. This is composed of: - ADM 1 (Application fee): EUR 750.00, payable before the admission meeting and refundable if the student is not accepted. - ADM 2 (Admission fee): EUR 5,000.00, payable after signing the school contract and non-refundable. - Sibling rate (application + admission combined): EUR 4,500.00. Tuition fees by school level (annual, monthly and equivalent per term) - Primary Years Programme (Grades 1–5): - Annual tuition: EUR 19,585.00. - Monthly tuition (payment plan): EUR 1,716.00 (due 1st of each month when using monthly instalments). - Equivalent per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 6,528.33 per term. - Payment notes: annual payments are due 1 August 2025; fees may alternatively be paid in 12 monthly instalments (monthly payments may incur interest). - Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10): - Annual tuition: EUR 21,915.00. - Monthly tuition (payment plan): EUR 1,920.00 (due 1st of each month when using monthly instalments). - Equivalent per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 7,305.00 per term. - Exams connected to the NRW “Mittlerer Schulabschluss” are charged at EUR 105.00 per subject where applicable. Monthly instalments may incur interest. - Pre-IB Diploma Programme (Grade 10): - Annual tuition: EUR 22,115.00. - Monthly tuition (payment plan): EUR 1,934.00 (due 1st of each month when using monthly instalments). - Equivalent per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 7,371.67 per term. - Exams connected to the NRW accreditation are charged at EUR 105.00 per subject. Monthly instalments may incur interest. - IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12): - Annual tuition: EUR 23,690.00. - Monthly tuition (payment plan): EUR 2,076.00 (due 1st of each month when using monthly instalments). - Equivalent per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 7,896.67 per term. - IB examination fees: per-subject exam fees apply for diploma candidates (see Additional Costs for the 2025/26 per-subject figure). Monthly instalments may incur interest. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition invoices are due on 1 August 2025 for the listed annual amounts. Monthly instalment payments are due on the 1st of each month when selected. - School fees can be paid either by a single annual payment or in 12 monthly instalments; monthly instalments may incur interest. - Boarding charges (where applicable) are billed annually after enrolment; the security deposit is a one-off charge due after enrolment. - The school lunch program is charged for the full school year; average days of absence are included in the calculation and a pro‑rata refund will be made only if more than 15 days are missed. - For already booked class trips, reimbursement is not possible in case of non-participation. Boarding fees and related charges - Accommodation categories (annual): - Category A (single room with ensuite): EUR 25,380.00 per year. - Category B (single room with shared bathroom): EUR 24,300.00 per year. - Category C (double room with ensuite): EUR 22,140.00 per year. - Security deposit (one-off after enrolment): EUR 2,000.00. - Insurance (annual): EUR 702.00. Footnote: liability, accident and health insurance is structured as EUR 39.00 per month for the 1st–18th month and EUR 57.00 per month from the 19th month onwards; the annual figure is shown as EUR 702.00. Other costs and ancillary fees - Lunch and meal plans (shown as monthly instalment / single annual payment): - Grades 1–5 lunch: EUR 110.00 per month / EUR 1,310.00 per year. - Grades 1–5 lunch & breakfast: EUR 184.00 per month / EUR 2,196.00 per year. - Grades 6–12 lunch: EUR 119.50 per month / EUR 1,420.00 per year. - Grades 6–12 lunch & breakfast: EUR 196.00 per month / EUR 2,340.00 per year. - Bus shuttle (Widdersdorf–Butzweilerhof): EUR 115.00 per month / EUR 1,365.00 per year. - Clubs: EUR 60.00 per club per semester (45 minutes) or EUR 120.00 per club per semester (90 minutes). - Late supervision (up to 17:00–17:30): EUR 50.00 per club/semester. - Class trips: primary expected under EUR 150.00; secondary generally over EUR 150.00 (individual trip costs vary; booked trips are not refundable if you do not participate). - Exams and assessment fees (2025/26 examples): - MYP5 e-Assessment fee (2025/26): EUR 59.00 per subject. - IB Diploma exam fee (2025/26): EUR 92.00 per subject. - Where applicable, NRW accreditation exams are charged at EUR 105.00 per subject. - Language classes for parents: EUR 136.00–216.00 (course-dependent). - School supplies: standard supply lists are used; a school T‑shirt and other classroom supplies appear on the supply lists provided to families (no separate compulsory uniform fee is listed). Refund information (explicitly stated items) - The application fee (ADM 1: EUR 750.00) is refundable if the student is not accepted. - The admission fee (ADM 2: EUR 5,000.00) is non-refundable. - Lunch program: if more than 15 days of lunch are missed in a school year, a pro‑rata refund of the lunch fee will be made. - Class trips: reimbursement is not available in the case of non-participation in already booked trips. - Exam fees are invoiced when due and are charged per subject; individual exam refunds are handled according to the invoicing and exam policies in force for the year. Fee payment options - Primary payment method shown: bank transfer (SEPA) using the school's bank details. Example bank payment information published on school forms and administrative documents: IBAN DE31 3705 0299 0181 2701 57, BIC COKSDE33 (Kreissparkasse Köln). - Instalment option: 12 monthly instalments are available for tuition; monthly instalments may incur interest. - Application and admission payments: the application fee is payable before the admission meeting and the admission fee is payable after signing the contract; the boarding security deposit and the first-year boarding charges are payable after enrolment. Summary of key figures (EUR) - Application & admission (first child): EUR 5,750.00 (ADM1 EUR 750 refundable if not accepted; ADM2 EUR 5,000 non-refundable). - Tuition (annual): Primary EUR 19,585.00; Middle Years EUR 21,915.00; Pre‑IB (Grade 10) EUR 22,115.00; IB Diploma (Grades 11–12) EUR 23,690.00. - Boarding (annual): Cat A EUR 25,380.00; Cat B EUR 24,300.00; Cat C EUR 22,140.00; Security deposit EUR 2,000.00; Insurance EUR 702.00 annually. - Typical ancillary annual examples: lunch (Primary) EUR 1,310.00; bus EUR 1,365.00; clubs per semester EUR 60.00–120.00; IB exam fee per subject (2025/26) EUR 92.00.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Boarding is offered on campus for students aged 15+ (Grades 9–12). Rooms are available as Category A (single with private bathroom), Category B (single with shared bathroom, two singles share one bathroom), or Category C (double with private bathroom) with supervision provided by a boarding team; meals are served daily with all students eating together, and every second Friday there is a trip to explore Cologne.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform for Physical Education is worn by students in Grades 1–10: a green BIS logo t-shirt and blue shorts. The clothing is ordered online from Flockinger, with a complete set costing between €26 and €38. Traveling Sports Teams may require a co-curricular tracksuit jacket.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Primary students may pre-order meals from our onsite caterer or bring food from home; Secondary students may pre-order, buy lunch on the day, or bring their own. Weekly menus include vegetarian options, allergens and additives are indicated on menus, and meals cost €5.95 and include a dessert.	Food options Healthy meals are served daily, and all students eat together.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Bonn International School is a registered non-profit association supervised by a Board of Trustees.	Governance and ownership The school is operated by Internationale Friedensschule Köln GmbH.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes: Middle Years Programme (11–16 years) and Diploma Programme (Diploma Years, 16–19 years).	Curriculum details The school offers the International Baccalaureate Continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Grades 1-5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6-10, and Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11-12. There are dedicated spaces for PYP, MYP, and DP. The primary school is bilingual, with instruction in German and English; from Grade 6 onward instruction is primarily in English to prepare for international qualifications. Placement tests and individualized support (EAL/DaZ) are provided for learners from diverse language backgrounds.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Average class size: 18 students.	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes of 12 to 22 students per class.
Exam results	Exam results Average graduation points: 35 out of 45; graduates access universities of their choice.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates access universities of their choice.	Higher education progression Graduates earn the IB Diploma and gain admission to leading universities worldwide.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Honors Program.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school believes students thrive best in a safe, supportive, and valued environment. BIS has a comprehensive programme to address the social and emotional needs of our students. Two Counselors in our Primary School and two in our Secondary School focus on four major components: individual student plans; wellbeing in classroom learning and curriculum; addressing immediate concerns; connecting to resources. Individual student plans support whole-child development and strongly value student voice. In collaboration, our team works to support students' social-emotional development, to enhance overall wellbeing and academic readiness. School Counselors coordinate ongoing meetings and activities to assist students individually in establishing personal goals and developing future plans.	Social & emotional learning Daily social-emotional learning (SEL) is woven into the curriculum, helping students develop resilience, empathy and self-confidence alongside academic skills. The approach reflects a holistic view of education that supports the whole child. Teachers integrate SEL across lessons to foster ongoing social and emotional development. The program aims to prepare students for life after school.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The Learning Support Programme empowers students with diverse educational needs to become confident, independent learners. Our Learning Support team embraces inclusion and fosters compassion for all. BIS provides a wide spectrum of learning support to eligible students, including those with mild, moderate or intensive needs, within a school-wide intervention system. Admission to the Learning Support Programme is dependent upon balanced classes and the availability of resources. To determine the proper level of educational support, parents provide a psycho-educational evaluation, and the learning plan is tailored to the results. The learning plan may include small-group instruction, in-class support and/or one-to-one instruction.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school offers inclusive admission and provides individualized support to meet diverse learning needs, including EAL/DaZ. Inclusion work strives to remove barriers to learning and to recognise learner variability. The Inclusion Team plans personal learning goals and supports students with different backgrounds and abilities. The bilingual environment supports language development as part of inclusion. These measures help every student grow, achieve and succeed.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English Language Acquisition (EAL) supports students who are not proficient in English. Primary EAL classes cover beginner to intermediate levels and are scheduled during homeroom language time, with emphasis on communicative, task-based activities. EAL in-class support helps students gain language skills and confidence, and teachers monitor progress in consultation with the homeroom teacher. The Secondary School offers an EAL Programme for Grades 6-12, with an English-language pathway from MYP Language Acquisition to DP Language Acquisition. A foundational class may be added for students entering with minimal English, and a language needs assessment is conducted on entry. English is the language of instruction.	English as an additional language Placement tests and individualized support (EAL/DaZ) welcome students of all language backgrounds and ensure everyone feels comfortable from day one in the bilingual environment. The school provides ongoing EAL support to develop language proficiency for academic success. The bilingual setup supports language development and intercultural communication.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing We believe that students thrive academically and personally in a safe, supported environment. BIS has a comprehensive programme to address social and emotional needs. Two Counselors in Primary School and two in Secondary School focus on four components: individual student plans; wellbeing in classroom learning and curriculum; addressing immediate concerns; and connecting to resources. Counselors collaborate with students to set personal goals and develop future plans, and they coordinate ongoing meetings and activities to support growth. They also lead developmentally appropriate guidance lessons woven throughout the curriculum and liaise with families and external services when needed.	Mental wellbeing The campus is open, friendly and safe for the whole community. Students have personal mentors and have access to learning support and counseling. The school emphasizes wellbeing through student support and partnerships with families, including community events and workshops. Approaches to Learning focus on developing self-management, social, communication, research and thinking skills to support mental wellbeing and personal growth.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The safety, wellbeing, and dignity of every child are paramount. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and staff, students, parents, and visitors act with vigilance, care and integrity. BIS safeguards through a framework including the BIS Child Protection Policy and BIS Child Protection Procedures, Safe Touch Policy, Intimate Care and Toileting Policy, Whistleblower Policy, and Code of Conduct for all adults. All staff participate in annual safeguarding training, and BIS maintains a closed campus with a dedicated security team. BIS safeguarding leads are trained and ready to respond to concerns.	Safeguarding Child Protection is a fundamental priority as part of the safeguarding process. All staff receive annual training and share concerns with the Child Protection Officer, who works closely with school leadership to ensure student safety and wellbeing. The facilities are designed with safety in mind, featuring breakout rooms, a dedicated library space and calm areas for quieter study or social interaction.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school has a generous campus in a green Bonn suburb. The Waves building houses most Primary School classrooms, the 40,000-volume Media Centre, science laboratories, and Design and Product workshops, with a cafeteria at the heart of Waves. The Agora and Crest buildings serve Secondary students with modern classrooms, music rooms, art studios, a kiln, a Learning Support Suite, a competitive sports facility, exam rooms and a senior lounge. The campus measures 32,470 square meters, providing about 46 square meters per student to learn, play and rest. More than 20% of electricity is generated by solar panels, and the school sits next to Bonn's largest park with the Rhine nearby and the Seven Hills across the river. Most BIS students live within a three kilometer radius, and facilities stay open until 21:00 to support after-school sports, with hot lunches prepared on-site.	Facilities overview Cologne-Butzweilerhof campus is designed around student wellbeing, modern learning, and community values. Learning spaces include light-filled classrooms, collaborative spaces, and quiet corners that support different learning styles. There are dedicated spaces for PYP, MYP, and DP, plus science labs, art rooms, and maker spaces to support hands-on learning. A full indoor gym and expansive outdoor play areas keep students active as part of daily life. The campus is environmentally friendly, with a sustainable design and a photovoltaic system that helps meet energy needs. An on-campus Boarding House accommodates up to 20 international students, making CIS the only school in Cologne to offer on-site boarding.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has two competition-sized sports halls for volleyball, basketball, floorball and dance. Large playing fields next to the campus are used by football and cricket teams and for sports days and events. These facilities support after-school and extracurricular sports activities through BIS.	Sports facilities There is a full indoor gymnasium and spacious outdoor play areas for physical education. PE classes use the gym and outdoor spaces for team games and after-school sports. Students stay active through regular athletic activities in these spaces. The facilities support a broad range of sports and fitness opportunities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Waves building is the heart of our Primary School, containing most classrooms for Early Learning to Grade 5, a 40,000-volume Media Centre, science laboratories, and Design and Product workshops; the cafeteria is located at the center of Waves. The Crest building is home to Secondary Maths, Sciences, Languages and our Learning Support Suite, and includes a senior lounge and exam rooms. The Agora building houses specialist music and arts spaces and classrooms for Humanities and English. An extensive IT infrastructure supports our technology and research curriculum, and five science laboratories serve Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Age-appropriate playgrounds provide space to learn and play.	Academic facilities Dedicated spaces for PYP, MYP, and DP provide tailored environments for each program. Science labs, art rooms, and maker spaces support hands-on learning in science and the arts. Light-filled classrooms and collaborative spaces enhance daily learning. The campus uses a sustainable design, including a photovoltaic energy system that covers a substantial share of energy needs.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Co-Curricular Programme offers a breadth of options spanning arts, sports, languages and political debating clubs; students participate in activities during lunchtime, before and after school as well as during school holidays. The Activities Catalogue outlines available activities, and some carry fees. Competitive sports teams travel to play with other international schools as part of BIS activities.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include sports such as tennis, athletics, football and basketball. Creative arts options include theatre, art and crafts, and video production. Language clubs cover Spanish, French, German and English. Music programs include choir, big band, and music theatre.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Formed in August 1997 through the merger of the American Elementary School, American High School, and British High School, Bonn International School opened with about 300 students. The school has grown to around 800 students. The City of Bonn launched Bonn 2.0 to position Bonn as a center for international business, research and science after the German capital moved to Berlin in 1991, creating the need for an international school for UN families and others in the region. BIS has been an International Baccalaureate World School for more than 25 years, offering the IB Diploma Programme since 1997, the IB Middle Years Programme since 1999, and the IB Primary Years Programme since 2001. The school chose the IB framework from the start and would do so again. The campus was originally divided across three locations; BIS opened three new buildings on a single riverside campus: Waves in January 2006, the Agora in August 2012, and the Crest in January 2017.	History The school was established in July 2005 as Profilschule Weltvision gGmbH. It was renamed to Internationale Friedensschule Köln gGmbH on May 15, 2006. CIS opened in Cologne-Widdersdorf in August 2007 with 44 students. It was authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme in 2012. In November 2022, CIS relocated to a sustainable 19,000 m² campus in Cologne Butzweilerhof, with a boarding house for up to 20 students, and on December 24, 2024 it was designated an IB Continuum School offering PYP, MYP, and DP.
Community	Community The BIS community brings together students, parents and staff as a single BIS family. The campus is open to parents before and after school, providing opportunities to connect, attend workshops and participate in sports. Our Parent Volunteers enrich campus life as Welcome Family Programme participants, room parents and event coordinators; they also support the Media Centre and trips, and the BIS Board of Trustees is composed of parent volunteers who guide BIS' strategic development. Parent Volunteers run workshops for families and organize English and German language support for new arrivals. BIS Sportverein offers badminton, basketball, fitness and yoga for parents, and running, walking and hiking groups. The school hosts an annual Welcome BBQ in September and International Day in June, along with celebrations such as Halloween, St. Martin's, Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival, plus occasional parent/staff events like discos or a gala.	Community Thinking internationally and multilingual communication are at the heart of the school\'s identity. The school emphasizes empathy and cross-cultural collaboration to prepare students to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world. The vision is to contribute to a better world by inspiring a passion for learning and the drive to make a difference. The campus is a modern, sustainable space on a 19,000 m² site in Cologne Butzweilerhof.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Volunteers are a key BIS community group who voluntarily give time and energy to BIS. They enrich campus life as Welcome Family Programme participants, room parents, event coordinators and by volunteering in classrooms, trips, on the Media Centre and with co-curricular activities; the BIS Board of Trustees is formed from parent volunteers and guides BIS' strategic development. They run English language workshops for parents and organize German lessons for new arrivals. The BIS Sportverein runs badminton, basketball, fitness and yoga for parents and organizes running, walking or hiking groups. They host events for families including the annual Welcome BBQ in September and International Day in June, as well as seasonal celebrations like Halloween, St. Martin's, Chinese New Year, and the Spring Festival. They also host at least one parent/staff event each year such as a disco night or dress-up gala.	Parent teacher association The school has a PTA.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers Model United Nations as a flagship activity, developing leadership, debate and negotiation skills. The programme includes political debating clubs.	Academic & intellectual Model United Nations is offered as part of the clubs. An Honors Program is offered. The clubs are available from grades 1 through 12.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Theatre and musical performances are part of the programme; All students in Grades 6-8 learn a band instrument and perform in two concerts a year.	Arts & creative Music clubs include choir, big band, and music theatre. Theatre, arts and crafts, and video production are available within the creative arts program. Moviemaking is featured in the holiday camps.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The programme spans languages to political debating clubs.	Cultural & language Language clubs include Spanish, French, German and English. They are offered through the school's primary and secondary club programs. The clubs are presented as part of after-school activities that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A breadth of activities and clubs is offered during lunchtime, before and after school, and during school holidays.	Social & hobbies After-school clubs cover sports and games as well as arts, music, and media. Sports include tennis, athletics, football, and basketball. Holiday camps offer a bilingual experience with activities such as sports and outdoor games, dance and inline skating, arts and crafts, science experiments, and moviemaking.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Local activities and social projects connect CIS students with Cologne communities. International exchange programs and projects provide experiences and insights for working in international, multicultural contexts. The school currently supports social projects in Ghana, Peru and India.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Model United Nations develops leadership, debate and negotiation skills.	Leadership & professional Model United Nations is offered as part of clubs. An Honors Program is offered. The clubs run from grades 1 through 12.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are offered with competitive teams that travel to play other international schools; teamwork and sportsmanship are emphasised, supporting physical health and personal wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Holiday camps offer sports and outdoor games, dance and inline skating, arts and crafts, science experiments, and moviemaking. They are bilingual (German-English) and led by a bilingual team, with daily hours from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM and drop-off from 8:00–8:30 AM. Upcoming camp weeks include Spring Break (March 30 – April 2, 2026), Summer Break (July 13–17, July 17–21, and August 24–26, 2026) and Autumn Break (October 26–30, 2026).
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the school language. German is taught in all grade levels at varying levels of proficiency, including for native speakers. A specialized team focuses on supporting students who join BIS without speaking English. 40 languages are spoken by BIS students, and students are encouraged to speak and read in their mother tongue languages.	Language provision English and German are the languages of instruction across the school. In the Primary School (Grades 1–5), instruction is bilingual, with classes taught in both German and English. In the Secondary School, instruction continues in English, with German remaining a core subject, enabling first-language exams for non-German students. From day one, placement tests and EAL/DaZ support are available, and in Primary classes there is one German-speaking and one English-speaking teacher per class.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The Primary School offers bilingual instruction, with classes taught in both German and English.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) – BIS is an IB World School delivering the IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) – BIS is accredited by NEASC; accreditation reaffirmed in November 2024. Council of International Schools (CIS) – BIS is a member of the Council of International Schools. AGIS – BIS is a member of AGIS.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Getting started: information is collected during the application to place your child in the appropriate grade level and guide subject choices. Apply via OpenApply, where you submit all details and upload documents. BIS accepts children year‑round with no application deadline, but admission depends on the availability of places in the requested grade level, and some grades may be full. The 2025‑2026 school year began on August 18, 2025. What you need for your application: a copy of your child's passport, your child's measles immunization record, a confidential recommendation from the child's current school (required for Grades 1–12), and two years of previous school reports. A full application must be completed on the BIS OpenApply site before a review of the student application takes place. Grade level placement may involve age guidelines, and language and mathematics testing may be used; admissions tests in Mathematics, English and/or German may be administered at the Principal's discretion.	Admissions 01 Submit an Inquiry Form Submit an online inquiry form to share information about your child and your interest in Cologne International School. The admissions team reviews submitted inquiries to determine the appropriate next steps. After review, families proceed to the next stage in the admissions process. 02 Campus Tour or Meeting Once the inquiry is reviewed, you'll be invited to tour our campus in person or schedule a virtual meeting to get to know each other better. This provides an opportunity to learn more about CIS. The format may be on-site or via a virtual meeting. 03 Provide Required Documents A list of required documents will be provided to support your child's application, including school reports and language certificates. Documents help move forward with the application and ensure proper grade placement. Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances. 04 Trial Day or Interview Depending on your child's age and grade, a trial day or an interview with the Principal may be arranged. The process is designed to assess fit for both sides. The interview may be with the Principal. 05 Receive Enrollment Offer If your child is accepted, you will receive a formal enrollment offer including the school contract and admission conditions. The offer also includes the next steps for joining our community. The enrollment contract outlines the terms of admission. 06 Prepare for Start Once you've signed the enrollment contract, the school will support you with next steps such as ordering school materials, arranging orientation, and getting ready for your first day.
Scholarships	Scholarships Financial Assistance Programme: BIS offers financial assistance for families who can demonstrate need. Applicants must be legally resident in Germany. Financial Assistance is awarded on the basis of need after submitting the Financial Assistance Application Form and necessary supporting documents for review by the Financial Assistance Committee (Director, Business Manager and others as determined by the Director). Applications should be received by 15 February for the following school year, and a scholarship can also be applied for at enrolment during a school year. Interviews may be part of the process. Scholarships are awarded based on household income, using a table that links income bands and family size to the percentage of support. Financial Assistance covers Admission and Tuition Fees for Early Learning through Grade 12. All applications must be in English and can only be considered once a place application has been submitted and approved. Decisions are final. Recipients are expected to maintain good attendance, strong effort and appropriate behavior.	Scholarships Financial Aid Program: Cologne International School offers a financial aid program. Aid is granted based on financial need, in line with the school's resources and the regulations of North Rhine-Westphalia. Applications are reviewed by Wieland Wirtschaftsprüfer und Steuerberater, an independent tax consultancy. Families can apply for financial aid during the admissions inquiry process.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →